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Identify the products you want to import from China. Then, go to one of the many import from China web listing services and post a request for products in which you are interested and you will receive many responses from Chinese exporters.
Ask if they are manufacturers or third party suppliers. Manufacturers will be more responsive in the product development phase but third party suppliers may be more helpful if you want to order multiple types of products. Ask the supplier how long they have been in business, what trade shows they have attended and for the names of current customers in your area. Confirm with the current customers if they are satisfied with the supplier’s quality and responsiveness.
Narrow your list of potential suppliers to the one or two you think are your best prospects. Establish a relationship with them. Establishing a personal relationship with key employees of the supplier is very important in dealing with Chinese suppliers.
Provide the suppliers with information about your company and explain why you are interested in their product. Quality Chinese suppliers will already have a lot of business opportunities you want to give them a reason to want to do business with you. Get a price quotation, obtain samples and review the samples for quality. You will probably have to pay a fee for the samples. Ask about shipping and payment terms if those are not included in the price quote.
Before you place your first order you may want to consult an import management company and a freight forwarder for a better understanding of all the costs and risks involved. Remember in addition to the cost of the product you will have the transportation costs of the freight forwarder, local transportation costs and costs of inspections and customs brokers. If you are uncomfortable with the details hire an import management company to negotiate the trade and payment terms with your supplier. Often a letter of credit is required as part of the terms of payment. You should contact your financial institution to arrange for a letter of credit.
Remember as the importer you are legally responsible for making sure all customs laws and regulatory requirements are met. Failure to comply with customs laws or regulatory requirements will result in your shipment being held up at customs and can result in additional customs fees.
In addition to customs laws other government regulations may apply. It is highly recommended that first time importers hire a good customs broker to help ensure they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. If you are importing textiles from China both The European Commission and the US government have enacted textile regulations and quotas to protect consumers from sub quality or dangerous products and to prevent Chinese textile manufacturers from dumping textile products into the western textile markets.
Now you are ready with the help of your customs broker to place your first import from China order. Make sure the purchase order includes a list of all required shipping documents in addition to a detailed description of the products being ordered.
Depending on the product you are purchasing you may want to hire an on-site inspection company to check on the goods at the factory before the goods are shipped so any issues can be addressed.
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